Global Battery Standards Are Evolving – What Does It Mean for the Supply Chain?

The rapid rise of electric vehicles and energy storage has made batteries central to the clean energy transition. At the same time, governments worldwide are tightening safety, recycling, and sustainability rules. For example, the EU’s new Battery Regulation (2023/1542) requires carbon footprint declarations for EV batteries by 2025 and minimum recycled content by 2028. China’s draft rules set recovery quotas of 98% copper and 90% lithium from waste EV batteries. The U.S. EPA is preparing universal waste standards to address lithium battery fires, while Korea and Japan are building frameworks for battery passports and circularity.

What does this mean for the industry?

Automakers need greater supply-chain visibility and materials that comply with thermal runaway, fire resistance, and recyclability standards.

Battery producers must design packs for easier disassembly, insulation, and second-life use while controlling carbon emissions.

Upstream material suppliers face stricter requirements for safety, traceability, and environmental performance.

Where Advanced Materials Fit In

Compliance is no longer just about paperwork — it requires engineered solutions. High-performance foams and insulation play a key role in enabling safe, efficient, and compliant battery designs:

Crosslinked Polyolefin Foams (IXPE/IXPP): Excellent for sealing, insulation, and lightweight structural support in battery packs.

Microporous PU Foams: Used for cushioning between cells and modules, offering both thermal insulation and compressive resilience.

Silicone Sponge Foams: Combining fire resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and compression set performance, suitable for demanding EV and rail applications.

Supercritical Foams (TPU, TPEE, PVDF, etc.): Advanced lightweight materials supporting next-gen energy systems with recyclability advantages.

At XYFoams (www.xyfoams.com), we closely follow global regulatory changes and work with partners worldwide to provide safe, compliant, and sustainable foam solutions for the energy transition.

Looking Ahead

As battery regulations accelerate, the supply chain will reward companies that move early — not only to comply, but to innovate. The question is no longer if new standards will apply, but how quickly your materials and designs can adapt.